Is a Churchs Chicken franchisee required to purchase new or upgraded software programs and system documentation manuals, and if so, at what price?
Churchs_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (2) Franchisee shall at its sole expense: (a) use any proprietary software programs, system documentation manuals and other proprietary materials provided to Franchisee by Cajun in connection with the operation of the Franchised Restaurant; (b) input and maintain in Franchisee's computer such data and information as Cajun prescribes in the Manual, software programs, documentation or otherwise; and (c) purchase new or upgraded software programs, system documentation manuals and other proprietary materials at then-current prices whenever Cajun adopts such new or upgraded programs, manuals and materials system-wide.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 68–406)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Churchs Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to purchase new or upgraded software programs and system documentation manuals. Specifically, the franchisee must purchase these items at the then-current prices whenever Churchs Chicken adopts new or upgraded programs, manuals, and materials system-wide. This obligation ensures that all franchisees operate with the most up-to-date systems and information as determined by the franchisor.
This requirement extends to point-of-sale systems and computer hardware. Churchs Chicken may require franchisees to add memory, ports, accessories, or new software to their existing systems or even replace the entire point-of-sale system with a larger one. Franchisees are also responsible for maintaining their point-of-sale and computer systems, including any additions, changes, modifications, substitutions, and replacements as directed by Churchs Chicken.
The FDD specifies that Churchs Chicken reserves the right to modify the system, including changes to the manual, menu, equipment, signage, and building premises. Franchisees must accept and implement these changes, incurring any reasonable expenditures required to comply. While the FDD mandates these purchases, it does not provide specific pricing information for the software programs, system documentation manuals, or other related materials. Prospective franchisees should inquire about the typical costs and frequency of these required updates to better understand the financial implications.